Speak with a Compassionate Church Sexual Abuse Lawyer
The sexual abuse of children by members of the church, including priests, has been a national issue for several decades. If a trusted member of the church has victimized you or your child, there are multiple legal angles you may pursue in seeking the restitution you deserve— while ensuring that the same fate does not happen to another child. Even if the abuse occurred years ago, it is never too late to report it and seek healing.
It doesn’t cost anything to speak to a Dallas sexual abuse victim lawyer at Crowe, Arnold & Majors. Our resourceful, hardworking attorneys have great compassion for survivors. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront to pursue litigation. Our legal fee derives from a percentage of the winning settlement and jury award. If you have been abused and feel ready to talk to someone, contact us for a free consultation to explore your legal options.
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Statistics on Church Sexual Abuse in Dallas
Church sexual abuse has been a problem across the country, including Texas.
- Records released by 15 Texas dioceses in February 2019 revealed at least 298 church members across the state have faced “credible abuse” allegations dating back to 1941.
- The Dallas Diocese released 31 names. Five of the priests had been laicized and demoted from their religious duties, while 17 have died.
- Despite the “cooperation,” police raided the Dallas Diocese due to missing and incomplete files.
According to a nonprofit that tracks church sexual abuse settlements, some of the Dallas victims have already received monetary compensation for their suffering. Three victims of a Dallas priest received a total of $7.5 million in March 1998. Eight more victims of another Dallas priest were awarded a settlement of $23.4 million in July 1998. There is still a long way to go in breaking down the barriers to full transparency and accountability.
How Texas Law Defines Sexual Abuse by Clergy
The Texas Penal Code prohibits several forms of sexual abuse commonly seen in clergy abuse cases. These violations often form the basis for civil lawsuits against both perpetrators and the religious institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. In many cases, survivors may have grounds for suing a church for clergy sexual abuse when institutional failures contributed to the harm.
Texas law also imposes strict mandatory reporting laws for child sexual abuse, which may apply to clergy and others in positions of authority. A failure to comply with these reporting obligations can carry legal consequences and may also serve as evidence of institutional negligence in civil cases.
These claims may involve allegations of negligent hiring, supervision, failure to report abuse, or institutional cover-ups, even if the church or religious organization was never criminally charged.
he following laws define the most common forms of criminal conduct underlying clergy abuse cases in Texas:
Sexual Assault (Tex. Penal Code § 22.011)
Texas law prohibits sexual intercourse or contact without consent, including any sexual activity involving a child. This statute is particularly significant in clergy abuse cases because consent is not legally valid when obtained through exploitation of a position of spiritual authority.
Under subsection § 22.011(b)(10), sexual conduct is considered non-consensual when a member of the clergy exploits a victim’s emotional dependency in their role as a spiritual advisor. This provision is especially relevant in situations involving pastoral counseling or other faith-based guidance relationships, where trust and authority can be used to facilitate abuse.
From a civil standpoint, these violations may support claims for:
- Sexual assault and battery
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Negligence against the institution that allowed the abuse to occur
Religious organizations may be held liable where they knew, or should have known, of the risk and failed to take appropriate action, including investigating allegations, removing the individual, or preventing further harm.
Aggravated Sexual Assault (§ 22.021)
Aggravated sexual assault involves additional factors such as serious bodily injury, threats, use of a weapon, drugging, or cases involving particularly vulnerable victims (including children under 14). In clergy abuse cases, this charge often applies where minors are involved or where abuse is especially severe.
Civilly, these cases frequently lead to:
- Significant compensatory damages for trauma and long-term harm
- Potential punitive damages against both the perpetrator and the institution
An institution may face liability if it:
- Retained a known abuser
- Failed to conduct proper background checks
- Ignored prior complaints or warning signs
Indecency with a Child (§ 21.11)
This statute prohibits sexual contact with a child under 17 or sexually explicit conduct in a child’s presence. In church environments, this often involves youth leaders, volunteers, or clergy members who gain access to minors through church programs, retreats, or counseling.
These cases commonly support civil claims for:
- Negligent supervision
- Negligent hiring and retention
- Failure to implement proper child-protection policies
Churches and religious organizations can be held accountable when they provide the setting and access that enable abuse.
Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child or Disabled Individual (§ 21.02)
This law applies when a person commits two or more acts of sexual abuse over a period of 30 days or more against a child under 14 or a disabled individual.
This is especially relevant in clergy abuse cases, where misconduct is often repeated over time due to the trust placed in religious leaders and the victim’s dependence on both the individual and the institution.
In civil litigation, patterns of abuse significantly strengthen claims by showing:
- Systemic institutional failure
- Ongoing negligence or concealment
- A breach of duty to protect vulnerable individuals
Damages in Cases of Sexual Abuse by Church
Damages in personal injury cases are straightforward for something like a car accident, where there are tangible medical bills and time taken off work. Child sexual abuse cases can be more complicated but certainly no less serious. Though few victims have physical scars from their abuse, one can sue for long-term effects such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Emotional Distress
- Flashbacks
- PTSD
- Self-Harm and Attempted Suicide
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Sleep Disorders
- Substance Abuse
Priest sexual abuse is not merely a matter of holding the individual perpetrator responsible, but for going after the diocese who enabled it. Anyone who knew– or should have known— about the abuse, but failed to file a report, can be held liable. A shrewd lawyer can subpoena internal records proving that church leaders knew individual members of their congregation were a problem, and knowingly passed molesters between parishes.
Statute of Limitations for Religious Abuse
There is no time limit on the suffering caused by religious abuse. However,it may surprise you to learn that there may be a deadline on your ability to file a civil lawsuit for suffering child sexual abuse.
- Age 33 (for abuse before 9/1/19): Before September 1, 2019, survivors had 15 years from reaching the age of majority (age 33) to report their victimization.
- Age 40 (for abuse after 9/1/19): A new law extended the amount of time to 30 years (age 48), but it does not retroactively apply to incidents occurring before September 1, 2019.
- Any age: There is no deadline for filing a criminal lawsuit for sexual assault of a child under 17, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and public indecency with a child. However, older cases can be more challenging to prove and, therefore, may not be accepted by the District Attorney’s office.
Statistics show the average age for adults to report abuse is 52, which poses a problem, given current Texas law. On a positive note, the laws can always change with enough momentum. Unprecedented look-back windows have already been passed in eight states, allowing sexual abuse victims to file previously time-barred claims, no matter when it took place. Therefore, it is always best to discuss your case with an experienced attorney before counting yourself out.
Why Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Require Experienced Representation
Church-related abuse cases are fundamentally different from typical personal injury claims. They often involve large institutions, complex internal structures, and patterns of conduct that may not be immediately visible to survivors or their families.
Working with an experienced church sexual abuse attorney in Dallas is critical in these cases. At Crowe Arnold & Majors, we approach each matter with the diligence, discretion, and strategic focus required to hold both individuals and institutions accountable, without ever losing sight of the survivor’s well-being.
Investigation and Evidence Collection
Church sexual abuse cases often involve evidence that is difficult to identify, access, or preserve. Records may span decades and include personnel files or documentation of prior allegations that were never disclosed to the public.
In many cases, institutions handled reports internally rather than reporting abuse to authorities, creating additional barriers for survivors seeking accountability. The Catholic Church’s role in priest sexual abuse has been widely documented, with investigations revealing patterns of concealment and repeated failure to act on known misconduct.
These factors require a thorough, strategic investigation. Building a strong case may include uncovering archived records, identifying patterns of abuse, and connecting historical complaints to demonstrate institutional knowledge and failure to act.
Taking Timely Action
Timing in church sexual abuse cases is often more complex than it appears. Many survivors do not come forward until years, or even decades, after the abuse, which can raise difficult legal questions about filing deadlines and available exceptions under Texas law.
Understanding how long you have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in Texas is critical, as statutes of limitations can vary depending on the facts of the case, the survivor’s age, and when the abuse was discovered. Navigating these timelines requires careful legal analysis to ensure claims are filed within the appropriate window.
Acting promptly is essential, not only to preserve a survivor’s right to pursue justice but also to secure evidence and build the strongest possible case despite the passage of time.
Discreet and Strategic Representation in Sensitive Abuse Cases
Church sexual abuse claims require a careful balance of discretion and legal precision. These cases often involve private matters, sensitive evidence, and institutions that actively seek to limit public exposure.
Effective representation means protecting client confidentiality while advancing the case with a clear, strategic approach. This includes managing communications with the church and its insurers, appropriately handling evidence involving confidential and highly personal information, and ensuring clients are informed at every stage of the legal process.
By approaching these cases with professionalism and discretion, attorneys can safeguard both the client’s privacy and the integrity of the claim while pursuing meaningful accountability.
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How Crowe Arnold & Majors, LLP Supports Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Working with Crowe Arnold & Majors begins with a confidential consultation where we evaluate the facts of your case and explain your legal options clearly. From there, our team conducts a thorough investigation, gathering records, identifying potential witnesses, and analyzing institutional conduct to determine all viable claims. We handle every stage of the process, from case development and filing to negotiation or litigation, ensuring that each step is approached with preparation and precision.
Throughout the case, clients can expect consistent communication and a legal strategy tailored to the specific circumstances involved. We manage interactions with religious institutions, insurers, and opposing counsel, allowing clients to remain focused on their own priorities while we pursue accountability through the legal system.
If you have been sexually abused by church here in Dallas, know that you are not alone. There have been thousands of other victims, and our attorneys are here to help you fight for justice and maximum financial compensation for your physical and psychological injuries. Here is what you can expect from an experienced Dallas church sexual abuse lawyer:
- A legal representative who understands the physical and emotional trauma you experienced as a victim of child sexual abuse because we have represented many other clients. We take the fight to the defendants in these cases as we aggressively pursue justice on behalf of our clients. If this has happened to you, you can focus on healing physically and psychologically. Trying to represent yourself in a case like this without the help of a Dallas personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming.
- We will thoroughly investigate the facts and then build your case to maximize your odds of success. Based on our experience, we know who to contact, which questions to ask, and when and how to obtain the necessary documents, records, and other evidence to build your case.
- Based on our investigation of your case, we will determine the approximate financial value of your claim. This will provide clarity for you in terms of whether or not a settlement offer is reasonable.
- We will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance company. They are notorious for doing everything possible to minimize the financial recovery of a victim. As a result, their settlement offers are often far below the actual market value of the claim. This is particularly true if the victim is not represented by an experienced priest sexual abuse lawyer. However, once the defendants are aware that you have retained an experienced Dallas sexual abuse victim lawyer–they may be more likely to offer you a fair settlement before going to trial.
- We will serve as your zealous advocate at trial if necessary. Most cases settle out of court. However, if the defendant is unwilling to provide a reasonable settlement offer, we will be fully prepared to take your case to trial.
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Therefore, you’ll need to find a personal injury attorney who is not only passionate about helping survivors but who knows the local courts and who has expert proficiency in the law. You need a team endowed with the resources necessary to win– like a network of intelligent investigators and experts willing to testify on your behalf. You need someone unafraid to go up against the institutions who knowingly move child predators from parish to another.
You need a lawyer from Crowe Arnold & Majors. Call to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and learn more about your legal rights.
